Page 33 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
I’d avoided it for so long because I convinced myself it would be too hard. The memories would swamp me with grief, and I never wanted to return. But it wasn’t like that at all.
Happy times with my grandmother exploded, and I shared them with Gabe over dinner. Patrons who danced when I was still a young boy were there, so pleased that I was back. The feelings of belonging surfaced for the first time since she died, and it wasn’t the grief-filled journey I thought it would be.
All because Gabe simply asked me on a date so I could teach him to dance.
“I’m not on my game today, Levi. Sorry about that.” I pull up my horse next to him, and his youthful face gives no hint of disappointment.
“Shit, don’t be sorry. I’m not at my best either, but I will be by the time rodeo day hits.” He practically bounces in his saddle. “Iknow I’ve said it before, but I can’t believe you agreed to partner with me. I’m so fucking amped for this weekend.”
“I’m still just a guy, Levi.”
He shakes his head. “No, you’re not. You’re a legend, Hunter. This is your chance, and mine too, to come out on top.”
I don’t want to kill his enthusiasm, but he’s gotta know a single rodeo doesn’t get an invitation to the national finals. “Levi…it’s one rodeo. Kissing Ridge is big, and the money can be decent, but it won’t vault you to finals. You need to collect points for that.”
“Yeah, I know, but this is still amazing, Hunter. I grew up watching you. You’re a legend.”
“Ugh, don’t make me feel so old.”
He snort-laughs and leads his horse out of the ring. “You’re only as old as you feel! But I’m fine ending for the day. Text me if you want one last round before tomorrow.”
After acknowledging that, Levi gets to work cooling down his horse, and I cast another glance at the house. Gabe’s car is there, and I wonder if he’d like to step out of his comfort zone again and enjoy a bit of the country?
I’ve replayed that dance date in my mind far too many times, and I know I want to return the gesture somehow. It might not be romantic, but I think he’d like it.
Hitching Dixie to the fence, I promise to be back in a few and jog over to the house. I find Gabe inside with a book and his feet up in the living room. Despite it being late summer, he has a blanket across his legs and a mug nearby of what I assume is a warm beverage. He looks good here, like this, in my home.
“Hey, done for the day?” Gabe asks as he sets his book aside.
“That bit I am. I was…” Oh god. I’m actually asking him on a date, aren’t I? I should have thought more about this before waltzing over here without a solid plan.
“You were…?” Gabe prompts.
“Would you like to ride me? With me! Fuck.” Running a hand over my face, I stare at the ceiling while I recover from my slip-up. Maybe I should have taken him to bed after that dance night instead of keeping my distance. I wanted to, but Gabe had me feeling off-centre that night, and even though I wanted nothing more than to come so hard I’d forget my name, I paused and went to bed alone.
That’s not like me, and it’s all Gabe’s doing.
“You want me to take a ride with you? Sure. Where to?”
“On a horse. Do you want to ride a horse with me?”
Gabe’s eyes widen. “Uh…so…I’ve never been on a horse. Shocking, I know.” His throat bobs as he stands and walks closer to me. “But if you think I can handle it and will be there in case I’m in trouble, then yes. I’ll ride with you.”
A thrill mixed with something else I can’t name courses through me, and I nod.
“Cool. Yeah, I’ll be there. You can ride Dixie, and I’ll saddle Mack.” I turn to leave, but Gabe calls out to stop me.
“Hunter? Do I need to wear anything…special?”
“Jeans. Boots.” I pause. “Do you have a hat?”
“I have some ball caps.”
“Bring one of those then and meet me up at the barn in about fifteen minutes.”
Gabe acknowledges, and I return to the barn just as quickly as I left. Levi is just pulling away with his horse and trailer, and Ibreathe a sigh of relief that he doesn’t see me acting like a bumbling idiot around the man whom I already call my husband.
Mack comes easily to the barn with a promise of a carrot, and once she’s secure, I throw myself into getting her saddled while trying not to think of the man inside who has somehow made me consider what it would be like to be married for real.
